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In this study a higher-order shear deformable, analytical model is developed to analyze composite shells with parametric modeling capabilities. The material and geometric properties and loading conditions can be varied as parameters which satisfy a set of constraints to allow the designer to achieve a sensible and computationally feasible FE model. The formulation is derived with equal emphasis on all the six strain as well as stress components at a generic point in the shell laminate. Unlike many other available models which violates the equilibrium conditions at lamina interfaces, this model satisfies the equilibrium conditions at the lamina interfaces for a certain class (angle-ply and unidirectional orthotropic) of laminates.

The composite laminated shell structures such as tubes, pipes, cylinders, spherical, conical and variable curvature parts can be seen in many advanced engineering applications. Among them, many are exposed to liquids, vapor, and high and low temperature gradients and subjected to various external loads. Therefore it is important to analyze and study performance of these shell components under such environmental and loading conditions with a more diverse analytical tool. In this study a integrated computer module based on the FEM is developed for the analysis and design of laminated composite shells with variable curvatures. The laminates can be made of general shells of revolution and can subjected to uniform or axisymmetric line-impact loadings, or uniform or linearly varying ring-impact loadings. The hygroscopic and thermal expansions as well as material degradation due to moisture absorption and heat are included into this integrated computer module.

In the case of advanced light weight material applications, the design of such components, in many cases, are based on applied surface tractions These surface loads can be caused by various means. When wind effects are present these tractions can be due to pressure, suction or drag. In the case of underwater applications, hydrostatic pressure and friction caused by moving against water current needs to be considered in the design. These are some of the traction load applications, a design engineer has to deal with in his advanced material applications. In contrast to the conventional materials, the modern structures made of highly directional dependent material properties, respond the applied loads and environment in an unpredicted way, so that, a detail analysis and design is always necessary. Hence in the present study a higher-order shear deformation formulation is developed to calculate the distribution of stresses accurately in angle-ply laminated shells of revolution.